Mary Allen
In summer, fans and air conditioning ensure pleasantly cool temperatures – but unfortunately also drafts. This can be dangerous for pets and make them sick. Find out here how you can best protect your guinea pigs, budgies, dogs, and cats.
If you want to keep yourself and your pets cool, fans and air conditioning are not the best choices. The cold draft from the devices is harmful to the health of your animal roommate and the loud hissing and roaring are unpleasant for the animal’s sensitive hearing.
Fan & Air Conditioning Hazards for Pets
The greatest danger from air conditioning and fans is the drafts that come from the units. Small animals and birds in particular in their enclosures and cages can become life-threateningly ill if they are directly exposed to the draft. Dogs and cats, on the other hand, can move around freely in the home and withdraw when it gets too cold for them.
The draft can weaken the immune system and make pets more susceptible to colds and other infections. This applies in particular to the sensitive airways. In addition, neck stiffness, conjunctivitis, and other eye diseases can be the result. The devices are also not conducive to healthy ears. Curious cats or dogs who get too close to a fan-run the risk of injury.
This Will Protect Small Animals & Birds from Drafts
It is best to leave the air conditioning and fans off in the room where your hamster, rabbit, or parrot’s cage is located. The aviary is also ideally covered on three sides and protected from drafts. Guinea pigs and other small animals need a cozy house or cave where they can retreat if necessary.
Make sure your pets have enough to drink and are not exposed to direct sunlight, otherwise there is a risk of heatstroke. In summer it can make sense to move the cage to a cool, shady place where there is no draft. Here, for example, the laundry room or the pantry is ideal. An outdoor enclosure with plenty of shade is also a good alternative.
Safety Tips for Dogs & Cats
Don’t take any risks, even if dogs and cats can get themselves safely out of the draft. Make sure that the cold air does not blow on your loved one’s bed. Also, only use fans that have protected rotor blades. When you leave the room, be sure to turn off the fan to reduce the risk of injury to pets.